State law changes for those seeking driver's licenses

Published: Friday, September 13, 2013 at 7:12 p.m.

Last Modified: Friday, September 13, 2013 at 7:12 p.m.

Starting Monday, there will be more to getting a driver's permit or license than simply passing a test, according to a new law targeting minors.

Students younger than 18 must now prove they have received a high school diploma or equivalent, or that they are enrolled in school.

If a student fails to get proof, he or she will not be able to obtain a permit or license until age 18 unless there is an outstanding need.

“It has to do with getting kids to go to school and holding them accountable,” said Frank Pasqua, supervisor of child welfare and attendance for the Lafourche Parish School System.

When a student wants to get a permit or license, he said, they must go to the main office of their high school and pick up a simple attendance form created by the state Department of Education.

All schools have received the forms, he said.

“The principal has to check off and verify the child is enrolled and attending,” Pasqua said. “If they have graduated, they will verify that.”

Asked if a student who was enrolled in school but had sparse attendance would be penalized, he said school boards will make that decision.

“School boards may report a student who is truant to the department, and once they do, the motor vehicles department could suspend a license or permit,” Pasqua said. “Truancy means a child has five unexcused absences or tardies in one semester.”

This particular semester, though, the Lafourche Parish School Board will consider enrolled and attended as one in the same, he said, and will revisit the issue next year.

Thibodaux High School Principal Glenn Haydel applauded the law, which was passed in 2008.

There has been a push to get more students college- and career-ready, he said, and this aligns with that belief.

“Driving is a privilege, and you should earn that privilege,” Haydel said. “You can obtain a license when you're 16, and 16-year-olds belong in school.”

<p>Starting Monday, there will be more to getting a driver's permit or license than simply passing a test, according to a new law targeting minors.</p><p>Students younger than 18 must now prove they have received a high school diploma or equivalent, or that they are enrolled in school.</p><p>If a student fails to get proof, he or she will not be able to obtain a permit or license until age 18 unless there is an outstanding need.</p><p>“It has to do with getting kids to go to school and holding them accountable,” said Frank Pasqua, supervisor of child welfare and attendance for the Lafourche Parish School System.</p><p>When a student wants to get a permit or license, he said, they must go to the main office of their high school and pick up a simple attendance form created by the state Department of Education.</p><p>All schools have received the forms, he said.</p><p>“The principal has to check off and verify the child is enrolled and attending,” Pasqua said. “If they have graduated, they will verify that.”</p><p>Asked if a student who was enrolled in school but had sparse attendance would be penalized, he said school boards will make that decision. </p><p>“School boards may report a student who is truant to the department, and once they do, the motor vehicles department could suspend a license or permit,” Pasqua said. “Truancy means a child has five unexcused absences or tardies in one semester.”</p><p>This particular semester, though, the Lafourche Parish School Board will consider enrolled and attended as one in the same, he said, and will revisit the issue next year.</p><p>Thibodaux High School Principal Glenn Haydel applauded the law, which was passed in 2008. </p><p>There has been a push to get more students college- and career-ready, he said, and this aligns with that belief.</p><p>“Driving is a privilege, and you should earn that privilege,” Haydel said. “You can obtain a license when you're 16, and 16-year-olds belong in school.”</p>